FAST® (Families and Schools Together) is an internationally acclaimed parent engagement program that supports the family bonding necessary for children to thrive. Built on evidence-based practices and rigorously tested, FAST:- Empowers parents to become more effective family leaders;
- Builds positive connections and social capital between families and schools; and
- Creates a supportive community engaged in fostering children’s well-being and education.
The cumulative effects of FAST can change the course of children’s lives. After a single 8-week FAST Cycle, children’s school behavior problems improve and emotional problems diminish at home and at school. Parent-child bonding strengthens and family conflict declines. Academic performance improves, and children get along better with their parents and with their peers. In short, FAST applies research and evidence-based family therapy practices to promote the full potential of every child.
The 8-week FAST Program brings multiple families together once a week in dynamic after-school gatherings. In each 2.5-hour session, a trained FAST Team guides families through a scientifically structured agenda of evidence-based activities that enhance parenting skills and reduce family stress while encouraging family bonding. As a result, the family unit of the FAST Child is systematically strengthened with experiences based on family therapy principles that help parents be firmly in charge of and lovingly connected to their children.
Each FAST Session includes group activities as well as one-on-one parent-child interaction and parent group time. Fast-paced and engaging, FAST activities are educational, fun and emotionally rewarding for all participants. In fact, FAST has one of the highest retention rates among early intervention parenting programs – especially among low-income, stressed and isolated parents: 80% of families who attend one session will successfully complete the entire 8-week program. Each 8-week FAST Cycle ends with FAST Graduation, a congratulatory and often emotional celebration of the stronger family bonds and better community support achieved by the group. If your family did not sign up for FAST this fall, please expect an invitation for our FAST spring session.